Joint.



Nu. 7I6,729. Y Patented Dec 23, I902. B. B. MACPHAIL. JOINT.-

7 (Application filed Jan. 8, 1902.)

(No Model.)

)447'1405 as: jzzy czzforz Nrrn TAT-ES ATENT OFFICE.

ROLAND B. MAGPHAIL, OF BLUE ISLAND, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HALF TO' JAMES MAGPHAIL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

JOINT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 716,729, dated December 23, 1902. Application filed January 8, 1902. Serial No. 88,861. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ROLAND B. Il IACPHAIL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Blue Island, in the county of Oookand State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Joint, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to joints.

The object of the invention is to provide a joint of simple and inexpensive construction for clamping or holding the edges of a sheet or plate in an efiicient manner.

The invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, location, and arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings and to the various views and reference-signs appearing thereon, Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a construction of joint embodying the principles of my invention for clamping or holding the edge of a sheet or plate. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the construction shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the same. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing two plates or sheets clamped or held by the tubular holder. Fig. 5 is a View showing the application of my invention to both edges of a sheet or plate to form a panel. Fig. 6 is aview in side elevation showing my invention as applied to the construction of a stair-panel.

The same part is designated by the same reference-sign wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

A designatesatube and designed to receive and clamp the edge of the sheet or plate B. In practice the tube A is split longitudinally, as indicated at G, and the edge of the plate or sheet B is designed to be inserted in the tube endwise of the latter, as clearly indicated in Fig. 1.

The tubeAis of resilient material, the natural resiliency of such material serving to draw the lips or edges of the longitudinal slit together, so as to exert a clamping effect upon the sheet or plate B when inserted as above indicated and as shown in the drawings. In order to preventwithdrawal of the sheet or plate laterally with respect to the tube, a shoulder (indicated at E) may be formed in the sheet or plate parallel to the edge thereof, which is inserted into the tube and at such distance from theedge of the sheet or plate as to be also inclosed within the tube and preferably at a point to engage the inner surface of the tube adjacent to the slit or opening therein, as clearly shown. This shoulder may be in the form of a bead or corrugation and may be formed by suitably stamping or bending the sheet or plate. It is obvious that the bead may not extend the entire length of the sheet or plate.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I provide an exceedingly simple and elficient joint for holding the edge of a sheet or plate, the shoulder E serving to prevent the lateral separation of the sheet or plate and tube and the resilientclamping effect of the tube serving to hold and retain the sheet or plate against movement longitudinally of the tube. If desired, and as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the sheet or plate may be held at both edges thereof.

A joint such as above described and embraced within the spirit and scope of my invention provides a most economical means for clamping and holding a sheet or plate and is adapted for use in many difterent situations, constructions, and arrangements. For instance, in Fig. 6 I have shown my invention as applied in the construction of a banister-panel for stair-ways; but I do not desire to be limited in respect of the use of my invention. If desired, the same tube may serve as a clamping-holder for two or more sheets or plates, as indicated at B B, Fig. 4, each plate being provided with a bead, corrugation, or shoulder E E'and bothinserted through the same longitudinal slit 0 of the tube. I do not desire, however, to be limited in respect to the number of sheets or plates clamped and held by the same tube.

It will be seen that by forming the shoulders, beads, or corrugations E E a sufficient distance from the edge of the sheet or plate, so as to contactwith the inner surface of the tube at the slit therein and so as to exert a slightly-spreading pressure upon the lips of the split tube, the resiliency of the tube will the more efliciently grip, clamp, and hold the sheet or plate in place.

Having now set forth the object and nature of my invention and a construction embodying the same, and having explained such construction,its purpose, function, and mode of operation, what I claim as new and useful and of myown invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. A joint comprising an elastic metallic tube, said tube being longitudinally split to receive the edge of a plate or sheet, the thickness of the plate or sheet being greater than the normal width of the split in the tube whereby the resiliency of the split tube exe'rts a clamping effect upon the sheet or plate to hold the same, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In ajoint, a longitudinally-split elastic metallic tube, in combination with a sheet or plate, said sheet or plate being of greater thickness than the normal width of the split in the tube and having its edge received through the split in the tube, whereby the sheet or plate is clamped and held, and means for preventing relative lateral movement of said tube and plate, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. A joint comprising a longitudinallysplit elastic metallic tube, in combination with a sheet or plate havinga shoulder formed therein and adapted to be received in the tube through the longitudinal split therein, said sheet or plate being of greater thickness than the normal Width of the split in the tube as and for the purpose set forth.

4. A joint comprising a longitudinallysplit elastic metallic tube, in combination with a sheet or plate having a shoulder formed therein adjacent to one edge thereof, said shouldered edge of the sheet or plate adapted to be received through the split in said tube,

said sheet or plate being of greater thickness than the normal width of the split in the tube whereby said sheet or plate is held and clamped by the resiliency of the tube, as and for the purpose set forth.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 26th day of December, 1901, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

ROLAND B. MAOPHAIL.

Witnesses:

E. G. SEMPLE, S. E. DARBY. 

